Fortunately for me, my hockey competition allows women and girls to play in the top division regardless of gender,
with selection based on skill level alone.
This practice only starts the process of equality as I still hear phrases like “that’s not very lady-like”.
“That’s not very lady-like”
Despite this, there are examples of women who have not let the idea of ‘femininity’ as a negative stop them: Madi Ratcliffe started in Warrnambool’s hockey club and she went on to play for the Hockeyroos, the national women’s team.
Women like this are the reason why these stereotypes are becoming less and less common. But I believe more education is still needed to fully eliminate sexism in all areas of society, but specifically in sport.
Now, I no longer accept such “insults” regarding my gender and I am quick to clap-back at them. If someone tells me I do something ‘like a girl’, I don’t accept it as an insult. I know that I am strong and capable, and I continue to ‘play like a girl’ with thorns and all.
“I know that I am strong and capable,
and I continue to ‘play like a girl’”